VAN BUREN - Russellville Junior High School's West girls volleyball team remained unbeaten but was pushed to the limit twice for victories Wednesday against a pair of Van Buren junior high teams.

The Lady Whirlwinds claimed a 25-13 win in their first game against Butterfield, then took a 15-13 decision in the third game after Butterfield claimed game two by a 25-23 margin. Lauren Sweet led Russellville West with nine points in the first game, while Tosha Hankins had five in the second outing. In the decisive third game, Sweet and Melissa Edwards had three points apiece.

Russellville West (5-0) then took a 25-17 win in its first game against Coleman, only to be forced into a third game after Coleman took game two by a 25-18 margin. The Lady Whirlwinds, behind Hankins' four points, took a 15-12 win to claim the match.

Hankins also had eight points to lead Russellville West in the first game. Jessica Myers and Katie Crow had five and four points, respectively, in the second game for the Lady Whirlwinds.

East 'Winds split pair

Russellville Junior High's East girls also played the two Van Buren squads and came away with a split, keeping the Lady Whirlwinds' record even at 2-2.

In its first match, Russellville East claimed a 25-15, 25-22 victory over Butterfield. Ashley Mayhugh and Andrea Allison each had five points and Morgan Prince added four in the first game for the Lady Whirlinds, while Allison had five points and Micki Lock for for Russellville East in the second game.

The Lady Whirlwinds, however, dropped their match against Coleman, losing 25-19 and 25-10. Willison led Russellville East with six points in the first game.

Both Russellville Junior High School teams return to action Saturday at home with the Lady Whirlwind Invitational tournament.